I would probably start off by installing a Linux box. With a normal install of linux you should have most(Minus VB) of the compilers and interperters that a programmer needs. Then decide which language you would like to learn.

I would suggest a more restrictive language at first. It will make your programs flow better and give you a better understanding of what perl is actually doing for you. This also will show you why so much of us love perl. A more stuctured language like C will also give you good code formatting skills. A compiled language like C will also give you DEBUGGING Skills (which one of my Profs at GVSU says the CS classes are missing now).

But if you want to dive into PERL get a linux box up and a copy of Learning PERL and read it. Then try the stuff in it. Then get the Perl Cookbook. Then read it.

--BigJoe

Learn patience, you must.
For a Perl Monk craves not these things.

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